U.K.-based brokerage Alpari expects the FTSE 100 to open 45 points higher, the DAX 52 points to the good and the CAC 40 up 16 points.

Adding to the positive tone is the release of strong manufacturing data from China, reinforcing a picture of stability in Asia’s largest economy. The country’s official purchasing managers index came out with a reading of 51 for August, a 16-month high, and above the 50 level which indicates an expansion in manufacturing activity from the previous month.

Similar manufacturing data from the euro zone is likely to attract attention in Europe Monday, although volumes may be hit with the U.S. celebrating its Labor Day public holiday.

White House Girds for Battle With Congress: The White House is girding for more than a week of battle with Congress over President Barack Obama’s plan to launch limited military strikes against the Syrian regime for its alleged use of chemical weapons last month.

Vodafone, Verizon Agree on $130 Billion Deal: Negotiators for Verizon and Vodafone have agreed to a deal in which Verizon will pay about $130 billion for its stake in their U.S. joint venture. The terms still need to be approved by the companies’ boards.

Polls Show Merkel Didn’t Get Clear Debate Win: Angela Merkel failed to score a clear victory in the first and only televised debate with her main challenger Sunday, according to viewer polls, but the incumbent German chancellor remains the strong favorite to win the September 22 election.

China Probes Former Oil Company Head: The former head of China’s largest oil company is the latest and highest-ranking official named so far in a wide-spanning corruption probe that has already ensnared four of the company’s top executives.